One girl able to walk; other showing smaller signs

The owner of the company involved in a parasailing crash that seriously injured two Indiana girls in the Florida Panhandle says he's praying for their recovery.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the injured girls and we all pray for their speedy recovery," Aquatic Adventures owner Jeff Jones wrote in a statement to The News Herald. "While we adhere to best practices to minimize the risks associated with watersport activities, sudden weather conditions can and do occur."

"The Coast Guard investigates all reportable marine casualties and accidents to determine the causal factors, so that through regulation and education we might prevent similar incidents from recurring," said Lt. John Authement, supervisor of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment in Panama City.

Sidney Renea Good of Roanoake, Ind. and Alexis Fairchild of Huntington, Ind., suffered serious injuries when the line from their parasail snapped. The 17-year-olds slammed into the side of a condominium and hit a power line before striking a parked car on the ground.

"We jerked a little bit and sat there for about a minute or two and that's when the cable had snapped and I'd seen them going away. I was just in complete shock during all of that," said Sidney's brorther, Collin Good.

Witnesses said the strong winds that carried the girls' to shore also sent beach chairs and umbrellas tumbling across the beach as a storm approached.

The teens remained hospitalized in critical condition Thursday in Panama City.

Their families have said both girls have head injuries and severe cuts. Additionally, Alexis has severe back injuries requiring surgery and Sidney has neck injuries, but the girls have been able to communicate through small hand gestures.

“Our daughters, Sidney Good and Alexis Fairchild, are still at Bay Medical Center in Panama City, Florida recovering from a parasailing accident on July 1 however we have seen more progress from yesterday. Alexis was able to walk today with a walker and the assistance of a physical therapist and she walked into Sidney's room to visit. Sidney is still in critical condition, but we are seeing small signs of progress. She is able to open one of her eyes and communicate to us with nods and gestures. We truly can't say enough about the outpouring of kindness and concern we've received from so many," the teen's families said in a statement. "While the situation is still critical we are encouraged by these very small signs of progress."

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